Get French Football News understands that Newcastle representatives have been in contact with Bafétimbi Gomis’ agents several weeks before this January transfer window opened about a possible move from Lyon.
The player was very close to signing for the Premier League side in the summer window but a move break down because Newcastle went back on the wage agreement they had had in place with the Lyon striker.
Anyway, a new window and another opportunity for Newcastle to sign the striker, who’s contract is out in June of this year.
Get French Football News understands that Bafétimbi Gomis has refused all attempts from Jean Michel Aulas to agree a contract extension in the past months and is primarily looking to leave the club for free at the end of the season.
Newcastle’s initial discussions have been to sign the player for free by offering Gomis a pre-contract so that he joins in time for the 2014/2015 season.
However, Jean Michel Aulas will probably do everything in his power to prevent this, as he is more interested in recouping a fee for the player rather than letting him go for nothing. Having said that, with the sale of Maxime Gonalons to Napoli, Lyon will certainly be able to earn over €10m from that deal.
At the moment, it is unclear what Aulas’ strategy will be with Gomis. Talks are ongoing in terms of agreeing a pre-contract with the player for June for Newcastle however. It all depends if Aulas decides to override that by forcing the player out in January.
Newcastle are not the only side in contact with Gomis representatives in terms of pre-contract negotiations however. One Serie A side is also in contact, with others having expressed an interest. More undoubtedly to follow.
